The recent buzz around Apple’s Mac announcements has been exciting, but some unexpected glitches have turned heads and caught users off guard. At the heart of the issue are Apple’s latest USB-C peripherals, including the new Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, which are causing frustration for some users due to compatibility requirements.
The new USB-C Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse have been promoted as compatible with Macs dating back to 2018. However, overlooked in this announcement is the fact that these peripherals require the new macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later to function correctly. This has left users with older macOS versions facing limited functionality and confusion.
For those still using macOS Sequoia 15 or earlier, trying to use the latest Magic Keyboard is met with incomplete features, notably missing are the working Touch ID and some essential function keys. The new Magic Mouse, on the other hand, sees its scrolling capability compromised, adding to user frustration. While the Magic Trackpad appears unscathed, certain features may also be restricted.
Fortunately, a wide range of Macs, including some Intel-based models like the 2019 iMac and the 2018 Mac mini, are compatible with macOS Sequoia, though they might experience some limitations unique to non-Apple Silicon machines. Moreover, these issues persist even in the macOS Sequoia 15.2 developer beta, highlighting a need for potential fixes before the full release.
These innovations mark the shift from the Lightning port to a USB-C port as the primary change in these new peripherals. Although there’s no change in Bluetooth technology, users of older macOS versions are also grappling with wireless connection problems, adding another layer of complexity.
Interestingly, the new peripherals seem to integrate more seamlessly with older iPads, such as the iPad Air 2, which have not encountered similar issues. This suggests that iPadOS is better equipped to handle these USB-C connections, providing a smoother experience for users. This compatibility surprise with iPads could be a bright spot for users affected by the Mac-related challenges.
